Church Minister appeals judgment

By Lanuola Tupufia – Ah Tong 20 September 2016, 12:00AM

A church Minister who lost a lawsuit he filed against several members of the Congregational Christian Church of Samoa’s Elders Committee is appealing the Court’s decision. 

Rev. Kerita Reupena represented by lawyer Leali’ifano Dr. Iopu Tanielu filed an application to appeal the Chief Justice’s decision on the matter in the Supreme Court yesterday. 

On behalf of his senior Leulua’iali’i Olinda Woodroffe, Leali’ifano told the Court he seeks leave to appeal the judgment by the Chief Justice.  

Lawyer for the Elders Committee, Semi Leung Wai asked for the matter to be adjourned so he could  file a response. 

Mr. Leung Wai said the application is seeking to re-hear the case involving the Elders Committee and the plaintiff. 

Justice Lesatele Rapi Va’ai granted an adjournment to allow for the respondents to respond to the application from plaintiff. 

In May this year, Chief Justice, His Honour Patu Tiava’asue Falefatu Sapolu ruled against Rev. Reupena’s claim and dismissed the case. 

The Chief Justice also dismissed an interim injunction that was granted in May 2015 which allows the church to appoint someone else to take over duties of Rev. Reupena. 

Rev. Reupena initially filed the lawsuit against the committee after they stripped him of his senior positions in the church including that of being the Director of the Queensland District. 

By Lanuola Tupufia – Ah Tong 20 September 2016, 12:00AM

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